Andy Engel was traveling in Peru after volunteering as an English teacher at the College, and just happened to meet Michael Schroeder, a history professor at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. They discovered that they were both natives of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and struck up a friendship of sorts.
Later that year, Chris DeLorenzo, history student at Lebanon Valley College, was telling his history professor that he was interested in teaching in South America, especially Bolivia. Dr. Schroeder just happened to know of a place that might be interested...
Serendipitious. That is what Chris calls it.
Chris was an exceptional volunteer, not because he was a responsible and organized English teacher, though this he was. What made Chris stand out was his incredible dedication to his students' development as people. He often shared meals with the students, spent time talking to and advising them, hiked for miles to visit them and their families*...
Photo: Chris receives a gift from his students, recognition of his dedication to them, in and out of the classroom.
One particularly memorable moment for him was a visit to San Pedro where his student Lidia Mamani lives. "The family just invited me in, and we made bread people for the Day of the Dead," he explained. "They took me in and I felt like part of their family at that moment."
Chris was an incredible part of our family here. The mission of the College is not just to impart technical skills to disadvantaged young women and men, but rather to build a sense of family, a space where the students can grow as people, where we can all grow in Christ's love and humanity. Chris's dedication to his students and their development reflected exactly this.
Photo: Chris is given a tau, the symbol of St. Francis, blessed by Fr. Freddy and witnessed by his students.
Chris plans to continue his studies, focusing on contemporary Bolivian political and social history, especially the fate of marginalized peoples. We know that he will stay involved in the College, supporting students with his knowledge and dedication to positive change through education.
Photo: Chris and Hugh prepare to dance the Morenada, a traditional Bolivian dance, for the College's anniversary activities in October.
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*Chris even cut up 40 whole chickens for a student BBQ -- chickens with their heads still attached! Now that is dedication.
2 comments:
Hugh: Who's the funny looking guy in the white dress. But more important, who is that astounding looking guy in the yellow morenada outfit? What a goofy looking dude!!!
Un abrazo, John Enders
Hugh, thank you so much for taking care of him while he was with you. While I hated being away from him, I appreciate the care you all took of him! I hope to meet you one day!
-Kelly (Chris's fianceé)
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